Chapter 7

Sebastian

I paid at the register and was about to leave , when I heard someone called to me.

" Bugs" I knew that voice, only one person called me by that name. I turned around and stared into the smiling eyes of Ashley Swaby. She was Blonde, petite and blue-eyed.

"Hey Sebastian" She exclaimed, wrapping her arms around me.

"Ashley" I said in a surprising tone. I felt my jaw clenched and my eyebrow raised. It has been two years and I still manage to get upset about what happened.

She let go of me but kept her hands on my biceps. Was she squeezing them? I bet she was. She like big arm guys.

"You look gorgeous , as always"

I snorted

Even though, I was upset at her, It was good to see her again. She was my childhood friend, well more than a friend. we've been in a relationship for years, my first love. I even proposed to her and she turned me down. She then went to Europe. To find herself, soul searching she said. She wasn't ready to get married.

She pouted, shaking her head at , "Why are you calling me Ashley, call me pancakes, just like you use to are you still upset with me?"

I gave her a half smile. "No Ash...Pancakes, so, did you find your soul in Europe?

She paused as if she did not expect that question and her brain was trying to adjust the conversation. And then she threw her head back laughing.

"Oh, Sebastian, how, I've missed you! Why don't we catch up tonight? Dinner, same time and place?"

It was time to let go of the anger I had for her. I was hurt and disappoint when she refused my proposal, I would have died for this girl, I was so in love with her. But that was all in the past, I have Jane now.

I knew I looked uncomfortable. Damn I felt uncomfortable. I saw Jane looking over at us. How was I going to explain this to her. I had a past, a fiancé.

It's been a rough couple of years but maybe its time to just, leave it in the past and settle for friendship.

"I have a girlfriend"

She removed her hands from my arms. "Okay, Bugs. You mean you're dating someone right now? That's fine, It won't last"

I glared at her, and step back.

She raised an eyebrow, surprise on her face.

"I am serious about her"

"Really, Sebastian?"

I nodded

"Wow. Let me get my breath back here." she placed her hand on her chest dramatically then smiled at me widely.

"Finally found the one, didn't you?"

"I think I have. She's different"

She was quiet for a moment, her eyes studying my face. I squirmed.

"Well, it's official then! I have to meet her."

"I am sure you will sometime."

I looked at my watch I got to go , I said.

She waved me a smile goodbye.

I walked away , met Jane at the door and we headed to the truck. She studied me with those vulnerable eyes again. This girl was squeezing my heart with her need for love.

I knew she wanted to ask me about earlier but she kept quiet. I didn't mind because I didn't want to talk about it just yet. We drove home in silence.

***

Back at the shop Anthony came by.

"You look like shit"

"I feel like shit" Anthony replied, collapsing on the bench.

He looked gaunt, like he hadn't eaten in a week. His clothes was crushed, his hair a mess, his eyes sad. Anthony phoned me an hour ago, his voice in panic and pain. At first I thought someone had died because he kept saying, She's gone, I messed up.

It took me a minute to realize he was talking about Sarah. They had been on and off for months. He ended the conversation with "I am coming over. I need to get the hell away from this place"

"What happened?" I asked

"Sarah and I got in an argument , she found out , I was texting some girl I met at the bar".

" you mean that Bartender chick, I saw you talking to man?"

"Ya"

" Really, dude?"

"She did that to you?" I pointed at my cheek, his was starting to swell.

He cupped his face, wincing. "Yeah man, damn near fainted"

I grabbed an icepack and threw it at him. "She's got a mean right hook"

He caught it easily. "Want to talk about it?" I asked as I took a seat across from him.

"No, I just need a place to crash"

Damn, tight-lipped son of a gun. He would feel better if he just opened up. I worry about him. I would probably be hurt if I didn't know that he didn't share stuff about himself with anyone. He was a private person.

"you know, I don't need to tell you that if you need anything, I am here for you man"

He removed the icepack from his cheek, making up his a face a little bit. "Thanks man"

"Just a little warning, I have been talking to this girl name Jane, she's actually staying with me, so be on your best behavior"

"what! you're just telling me this man, we got lots to talk about"

Anything to not talk about what was happening with him and Sarah.

" Want some beer?"

"yeah"

We drank beer, exchange insults and I filled him in about Jane and my encounter earlier with Ashley.

Later in the evening, we arrived at my placed , I introduced him to Jane and they seemed to be getting on quite well.

We sat in the couch, Chat a little about sports like what guys do, ate the chicken Jane made for dinner and drank more beer until we finally passed out on the couch.

I woke up searching for my phone .I found it inside the couch, I groaned as the harsh light from my phone blinded me. It took me a second before I could focus them. Annoyed I sat up, I had a few messages from Ashley.

Restless I went to the Kitchen to grab a glass of orange juice, then I remembered Jane was in the room, so crack the door a notch and peeked in just to check on her. A little of her scent sneaked out, wrapping around my nostrils.

Cherries

I closed my eyes and inhaled.

I wanted to be close to her, so I opened it another inch.

" What are you doing?"

I jumped a foot and a girly squeak came from my mouth that I knew I would be ashamed of for the rest of my life. And if Anthony told anyone about it I wouldn't admit it.

"you scared the shit out of me" I whispered , looking if Jane had woke up, she didn't. I then quietly closed the door.

"You've been standing there for five minutes. I even went to take a piss and you're still there"

"well.." He shrugged then went back to the couch to sleep. I let out a sigh.

Screw it. I opened it and stepped in.

Her scent was just so strong I felt dizzy.

Damn did I have it bad.

A blanket with vibrant colors covered her, she looked like an angel sleeping.

I sat on her bed and kiss her cheek.

Her eyes flew open. "Hey" her voice was low and breathy. She sounded very much like the first time we met. "you make me happy" she whispered. I opened my mouth to say something but nothing came out.

"I wish you were kissing me right now" she said in a sleepy tone and her voice trailed her. "you know you won't remember any of this tomorrow right?"

"yes, I will" she whispered.

"Jane?"

"yes"

she sounded tired, I kissed her on her forehead. "Get some rest" I stood up, walked towards the door.

I looked back, with my hands on the door nob and smiled. I like how she laid there on the bed, her hair spread on her pillow. She looked so peaceful and happy. I then raked my hand through my hair and head to my room.